2026 National Convention Agenda

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Welcome

Welcome to the 86th Annual Convention of the Blind People’s Movement

Mark A. Riccobono, President
National Federation of the Blind
200 East Wells Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21230

John Berggren, Chairman
Convention Organization and Activities

Norma Crosby, President
National Federation of the Blind of Texas

JW Marriott Austin
110 E 2nd Street
Austin, Texas 78701

512-474-4777

Thank you for being here. Together we transform dreams into reality.

The Power of Blind People

It’s time for the world’s largest annual event of the organized blind movement. The convention week offers countless opportunities to learn, connect, and share the lived experiences of blind people through both formal sessions and social gatherings.

Inclusivity, Diversity, and Code of Conduct

Thank you for cultivating an atmosphere of mutual respect where attendees can learn, network, and share with each other. The National Federation of the Blind is committed to diversity, equity, and the free expression of ideas as outlined in our Code of Conduct. We recognize a shared responsibility to create and uphold that atmosphere.

Prohibited behaviors, such as harassment, retaliation, and sexual misconduct, will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the convention and/or other consequences. To report an incident at the convention, call 410-659-9314, extension 2475, or email [email protected]. You can submit a formal report using our online form. All formal reports will be investigated per our Code of Conduct.

The full Code of Conduct, resources, and report form are at nfb.org/codeofconduct.

For support or guidance, connect with our Survivors Group at [email protected] or call 410-659-9314, extension 2238, during the convention hours listed in this agenda.

Start Here: Essentials for Your Schedule

Plan time for the following must-visit areas, available during listed hours.

Check-In: Convention Registration and Packet Pickup

Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. and closes at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday in the JW Grand Ballroom foyer (level 4) for on-site registration, banquet ticket sales, and packet pickup for online registrants. Beginning on Sunday, registration will move to meeting room 402.

*Meet Leaders: Presidential and Host Affiliate Suites

All attendees are welcome to come to the Presidential Suite (room 3401) and the Host Affiliate Suite (room 539) for open conversations and social connections. Appointments to meet directly with President Riccobono may be made at the Presidential Suite.

Presidential and Host Affiliate Suites Open Hours

  • Thursday: 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.
  • Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 7:00 to 8:45 a.m. and noon to 7:00 p.m.
  • Monday: 7:00 to 8:45 a.m., noon to 1:45 p.m., and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 7:00 to 8:45 a.m., noon to 1:45 p.m., and 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 7:00 to 8:45 a.m. and noon to 1:45 p.m.

Visit: Exhibit Hall and Independence Market

The Exhibit Hall is in Griffin Hall (level 2). The Independence Market along with Federation Free Reads is in Salon D of the Lone Star Ballroom (level 3).

Exhibit Hall Open Hours

  • Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday: Noon to 1:45 p.m. and 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Independence Market and Federation Free Reads Open Hours

  • Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday: Noon to 1:45 p.m.
  • Tuesday: Noon to 1:45 p.m.

Share: Your Voice for Blind Unbound

Stop by the Story Recording Station at room 404 or the Presidential Suite, pick up the phone, and answer one simple question: "What is one thing you want everyone to understand about blind people?" It only takes a few minutes, and your voice will help shape Blind Unbound, our storytelling initiative, to change how people understand blindness through art, media, and technology, including the future National Museum of the Blind People’s Movement.

Attend: Welcome First-time Attendees!

Rookie Roundup—What to Know

Join us from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, July 3, in Salons 5 and 6 of the JW Grand Ballroom (level 4). President Riccobono, the Jernigan Fund Committee, and Federation leaders will welcome you and preview the week’s activities. Please encourage all first-timers to attend this session. We cannot wait to welcome you!

Reminders for Your First Convention

  • Access the First-Timer’s Guide at nfb.org/convention
  • Kenneth Jernigan Convention Scholarship recipients, please visit meeting room 208 on July 4 and 5 between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. Your presence here is important.

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